High-level disinfection of reusable semicritical patient care items deactivates all types of microorganisms with the exception of bacterial spores and prions. Failure to correctly perform high-level disinfection can result in cross-contamination of patient care devices, resulting in infection. Perioperative personnel performing high-level disinfection are challenged by the complexity of instrumentation and patient care devices, reports of increasing resistance of some bacteria to certain high-level disinfectants (HLDs), and the harmful effects of HLDs on human tissue and the environment.

Gap Analysis/Purpose

After completing this course, perioperative RNs will understand evidence-based practices for performing safe and effective high-level disinfection of reusable semicritical items and for preventing patient and personnel injury associated with the handling and use of liquid HLDs.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the participants should be able to:

Identify the role of the interdisciplinary team in the selection and use of HLDs.

Identify key considerations in the preparation of items to be processed by high-level disinfection.

Identify safe practices for the use, handling, and storage of HLDs.

Identify the procedures for transport and storage of items processed by high-level disinfection.

Identify methods for mitigating the risks associated with the use of HLDs.

Course Requirements

To receive 2.5 contact hours for this course, you must achieve mastery of the content and submit an evaluation as instructed at the end of the course. This course contains 168 questions.